Category: National News

This Friday, 6/1, is Gun Violence Awareness Day. National PTA is a partner in Everytown for Gun Safety’s Wear Orange Weekend, a weekend where people all over the country will show their support for gun violence prevention both online and at community events. Here’s their link: https://wearorange.org/about/

Take a picture of yourself in your orange and post on social media using the hashtags #PTAProud #Enough and #EndGunViolence. Wouldn’t it be cool to see your councils and locals getting involved as well?

I’ve been trying to find some different resources for you. I have compiled some in this email.

For those of you that have held your conventions – here’s a debrief exercise to use if you haven’t done so already

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 25, 2018)—National PTA President Jim Accomando issued the following statement on the shooting at Noblesville West Middle School in Noblesville, Ind.:

“We can no longer be patient. More must be done immediately to keep our children safe at school.

“The Federal Commission on School Safety must take action now and bring stakeholders together to share knowledge, perspective, insight and best practices in school safety and climate, student mental health, instructional leadership, teaching and learning so that meaningful changes can be made to improve school safety in this time of crisis. Parents and all stakeholders want to be engaged in this effort to stop these acts of violence, protect their children and ensure they are safe at school.

“National PTA also urges Congress to adopt legislation that would strengthen background checks, fund gun violence research efforts, ban assault weapons and prevent persons who may endanger public safety from accessing guns. Additionally, the association urges policymakers to prioritize mental health education, early intervention, prevention and access to school and community-based mental health personnel and services.

“PTA is also committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolSafety.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 18, 2018)—National PTA President Jim Accomando and Texas PTA President Lisa Holbrook issued the following statement on the shooting at Santa Fe High School in Santa Fe, Texas:

“This is the second shooting at a high school in the past week and the second mass shooting at a school this year. We are way beyond ‘enough is enough.’ More must be done immediately to keep our children safe.

“It is unconscionable that we fear for the safety of our children every time they leave home for school. There needs to be a greater sense of urgency to improve school safety and protect our children.

“Parents, students, teachers, administrators, counselors, law enforcement, community leaders and elected officials must work together to make truly meaningful changes to stop senseless acts like the one in Santa Fe that rob our students of a safe learning environment. Each group provides unique and important knowledge, perspective, insight and information. Partnering is essential to shape policies based on best practices in school safety and climate, student mental health, instructional leadership, teaching and learning.

“The Federal Commission on School Safety has a unique opportunity to bring all stakeholders together to share our working knowledge and ensure our children are able to learn and grow in a safe environment and reach their full potential.National PTA asks the Commissionto work urgently to engage stakeholders in the field in a substantive wayand to continue its efforts to study, evaluate and make recommendations on how to improve school safety in this time of crisis.

“Texas PTA calls on the state legislature to make school safety the number one issue on its agenda. The association urges policymakers to assess current policies to identify students with mental health issues and the methods of intervention being utilized. The association also calls for the state to evaluate all school campuses to ensure full implementation of school safety plan requirements.

“PTA is also committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded atPTA.org/SchoolSafety.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visitPTA.org.

About Texas PTA

Texas PTA is the largest grassroots organization in Texas with half a million members – parents, teachers and others who have a special interest in children, youth, families and schools. Texas PTA is a noncommercial, nonsectarian-nonpartisan organization that does not endorse any candidate or political party. For more information on Texas PTA, visitwww.txpta.orgor contact the state office at 800-TALK-PTA.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (May 15, 2018)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando:

“On Friday, a shooting occurred at Highland High School in Palmdale, Calif. There have been far too many shootings at schools this year alone. We all know more needs to be done to keep our children safe, and we continually demand action. Every student deserves to learn and grow in a safe environment. And no parent should fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home for school.

“National PTA urges Congress to adopt legislation that would strengthen background checks, fund gun violence research efforts, ban assault weapons and prevent persons who may endanger public safety from accessing guns. National PTA also urges policymakers to prioritize mental health education, early intervention, prevention and access to school and community-based mental health personnel and services.

“National PTA is also committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolSafety.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.

ALEXANDRIA, Va., (April 20, 2018)—The following statement can be attributed to National PTA President Jim Accomando:

“One person was injured and a suspect is in custody after a shooting at a high school in Ocala, Florida. This is the second school shooting in Florida this year. Today also marks the 19th anniversary of the horrific shooting at Columbine High School in Colorado.

“Enough is enough. More needs to be done to keep our children safe and we demand immediate action. Every student deserves to learn and grow in a safe environment. And no parent should fear for the safety of their child every time they leave home for school.

“National PTA urges Congress to adopt legislation that would strengthen background checks, fund gun violence research efforts, ban assault weapons and prevent persons who may endanger public safety from accessing guns. National PTA also urges policymakers to prioritize mental health education, early intervention, prevention and access to school and community-based mental health personnel and services.

“National PTA is committed to supporting students, families, schools and communities in coping with and preventing violence. The association offers a variety of resources that can be downloaded at PTA.org/SchoolSafety.”

About National PTA

National PTA® comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who wants to be involved and make a difference for the education, health and welfare of children and youth. For more information, visit PTA.org.